The chief nursing officer later said that while support from the public was welcome, some misconceptions remained.

She told the PA news agency: “I’m very pleased that people show their appreciation on a Thursday evening, it is quite lovely to hear that, but actually these people, these nurses, are professionals.

“I’ve seen a few (misconceptions) about us being heroes, about us being there with our hat.

“No, we’re not heroes – we are expert professionals who are doing our jobs and providing skilled, compassionate care, and nurses and midwives across England should be very proud of themselves right now.”